Makalu Base Camp Trekking   |  20 Days

adventure around scenic Arun and Barun valley to arctic zone of ice and glaciers

Makalu Base Camp Trekking leads you to enjoy complete wilderness within Nepal Far Eastern Himalayan region towards worlds fifth highest Mt. Makalu which soars high above 8,463 m / 27,766 ft.

A journey of exciting adventure as walk starts from low sub-tropical climate to cooler alpine zone and ending at arctic zone of ice and glaciers within far end of scenic Barun valley at Makalu base camp, which will be the highest spot of the treks above 4,812 m.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking a fabulous adventure on least visited region of Far Eastern Himalaya by other mass flow of trekkers and adventurer, truly a fascinating walks exploring remote farm villages of Rai, Gurung and other Hindu tribes of people, as walk leads higher entering into Sherpa country at Tashi-Gaon.

Tashi Gaon the last permanent village, from here onward into complete wilderness of mountains and dramatic high country covered with tall trees of rhododendron and pine trees and crossing few scenic passes to reach at beautiful Barun valley.

From Barun valley where walk leads you to our highlight of the adventure around remorseless fields of moraine, ice and glaciers at Makalu base camp with exceptional views of towering East Face of Everest known as Khansung face with other range of high peaks.

Return journey on the same trail back to Num village for exciting drive to reach at Tumlingtar for scenic flight to Kathmandu with marvelous adventure and enjoyable time on Makalu Base Camp.

Trip Highlights

  • Adventure to world 5th highest Mt. Makalu base camp with scenic Barun valley
  • Walk from warm low paddy fields to cool green rolling hills to arctic colder zone
  • Enchanting forest of tall rhododendron, pines, oaks, birch, magnolia and fir trees
  • Explore remote hill villages untouched by outside world and modern civilization
  • Amazing views of peaks on daily walks from Arun valley to scenic Barun valley
  • Scenic flights with stunning views of Eastern Himalayan peaks to Tumlingtar

Itinerary

  • 1 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotels.On reaching Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be warmly received by our guide and staff and then transfer you to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city. First check into your hotel rooms on getting refreshed from the flight and with Jet-Lag, then join with other members of Makalu Base Camp Trekking for briefing, where our expert guides will inform regarding your stay in Nepal, hotels, trekking, local lodge-camping with do’s and don’ts information, evening welcome group dinner in authentic Nepalese restaurants with Folk cultural programs to entertain you during your meals.
  • 2 Day 2: Morning sightseeing tour afternoon trek preparation.Morning after breakfast leave the hotel for exciting guided sightseeing around Kathmandu where our city guide will lead you to places of interest, Kathmandu a metropolitan city still retains its ancient heritage and varied ancient culture where you will visit world heritage sites around Kathmandu for half day or full day. After an interesting and wonderful tour of ancient historical and religious sites around Kathmandu, with afternoon free preparation for next day flight to Nepal Far East at Tumlingtar for Makalu base camp Trek.
  • 3 Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar 448 m a scenic flight of 45 mins.Morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping 45 minutes scenic flight to reach east of Nepal within Arun River valley. On reaching at Tumlingtar airport with exciting panorama of mountains with Everest and Makalu in view during airborne, here our trekking and field staff will receives you and then transfer to local lodge, with time to explore this small and interesting town of Tumlingtar.
  • 4 Day 4: Drive to Num 1,490 m - 04 hrs with afternoon free to explore.From Tumlingtar morning starts with exciting drive towards mid hills past many farm villages and large town of Khandbari, journey continues on hilly ridge with rough dirt tracks leading higher at Chinchela village. From here descend to Num, a nice village on a ridge where at present slowly turning into a town as motorable road reached into this village just few years back, at Num overnight in lodge or in tents with grand views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Jalajala Himal and Makalu.

  • 5 Day 5: Trek to Seduwa 1,540 m- 05 hrs.Today starting our first day walk of the adventure with steep descend to Arun River, and then crossing over bridge, then climb up to Seduwa village past farm fields and small villages of Runmura. At Runmura with lunch break and then climb gets gradual reaching our overnight halt at Seduwa village, a small settlement with primary school and a health post overlooking views of Num over a ridge with adjoining hills of Bhojpur and Jalajala rocky peaks.
  • 6 Day 6: Trek to Tashi Gaon 2,135m - 04 hours.Morning from Seduwa village, walk on undulating and winding path to Tashi Gaon a Sherpa village, and also a last village and settlement on route Makalu base camp, walk leads past farm areas within neat terraces fields of millets and paddy a major crops of the region. Walk leads for four hour on a nice pleasant trail, and then reaching at Tashi Gaon for lunch and overnight camp, free afternoon to explore this small Sherpa village of great interest.
  • 7 Day 7: Trek to Kongma Danda 3,556 m - 05 hoursLeaving Tashi Gaon the last village for a week long, morning walk leads on gentle path into thick forest of rhododendron, oaks and tall pines trees passing many cattle herder’s temporary shelters of shades and stone huts after few hours of pleasant walk stopping for lunch on the grassy meadow and summer pasture ground. Afternoon walk with steep climb for few hours to reach on top Kongma ridge top, as tall trees gives away for smaller rhododendron and juniper bushes with few birch trees. This high ridge offers excellent views of Kanchenjunga mountain range and of Mt. Makalu with adjoining peaks, from here in complete wilderness.

  • 8 Day 8: Trek to Mumbuk 3,553 m - 06 hoursFrom Kongma Danda morning walk on a ridge line following a gradual path with few ups and down reaching at icy ponds of Thulo Pokhari (big) with Sano Pokhari (small) after crossing Tutu-la and Shipton la at above 4, 453 meters passes, and then downhill back into forest with views of Khumbakarna Himal range of mountains towards north, overnight camp on a level ground in the middle of tall trees.
  • 9 Day 9: Trek to Nghe (Nehe Kharka 3,760 m - 05 hours.Walk this morning takes you at beautiful and scenic Barun valley famous for rare species of vegetation- plants and herbs including wild-life. Starting our walk with down-hill for an hour and then crossing a small stream to reach into Barun valley, with gentle ups facing views of peaks on both side of the valley. Walk leads past few Sheppard’s shelters and a small Buddhist Gompa (monastery), after a pleasant walk of 5 hours reaching at Nehe Kharka for overnight camp within Barun valley.
  • 10 Day 10: Trek to Shersong 4, 572 m - 05 hours.From Barun valley walk to Shersong leads you at end of the valley close at Makalu base camp walking on slow uphill and crossing streams facing grand views of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse peaks. After a nice trek of five hours and then reaching our final destination at Shersong for overnight stop, a mere distance from Makalu base camp.
  • 11 Day 11: At Shersong for hike to Makalu Base Camp 4,812 m - 03 hrs.Morning free from packing, taking only necessary items for day hike to Mt. Makalu base camp walking with views of Baruntse peak and IV peak, and Mt. Everest Rare Eastern Face known as Kangshung with Mt. Lhotse. Our hike leads within moraine and ice close to Baruntse Pokhari (pond) to reach at base camp on the foot of worlds 5th highest Mt. Makalu. Makalu towers high at 8,463 m and 27, 766 ft, one of the toughest mountains to climb. After a visit at base camp and highest spot of the adventure return to camp at Shersong, with spectacular views of Mt. Makalu and Barun glacier towards North West.
  • 12 Day 12: Trek to Yangre Kharka 3,645m - 06 hours.Retrace the journey back to Barun valley to camp at Yangre Kharkaenclosed within high mountains and cliffs, with views of cascading waterfalls, this is a temporary summer grazing place for Yak herders.
  • 13 Day 13: Trek to Mumbuk - 05 hours.After a marvelous time around Barun valley, walk leads past end of the valley and with a climb to reach back into thick woodland at Mumbuk for overnight camp.
  • 14 Day 14: Trek to Kongma Danda / Ridge - 05 hours.On the same trail back to Kongma ridge morning walk with a climb for an hour or more through forest on reaching the hill top ridge leaving the tree lines, and passing the ponds and over Tutu la and Shipton la reaching at Kongma hill top for overnight camp.
  • 15 Day 15: Trek to Narbu Gaon 1,310 m via Tashi Gaon - 05 hours.Morning walk on downhill path back into forest of tall tree lines to reach villages and farm fields, on reaching at Tashi Gaon taking a different higher route to Nawa or Narbu gaon village, through cool shade of woodlands and farm terraces and then reaching a large Sherpa village of Narbu Gaon on for overnight stop, with afternoon free to explore this nice farm village.
  • 16 Day 16: Trek to Num via Seduwa - 05 hours.From Narbu Gaon our last day walk of this wonderful adventure leading downhill with few short up to Seduwa village, after a rest here continue descend on a steep path to Arun River, after crossing a bridge a steep climb for few hours to reach at Num village for last overnight around the high hills of Makalu.
  • 17 Day 17: Drive back to Tumlingtar - 04 hrs.After a wonderful time on the high hills and mountains with farm villages, from Num taking an exciting drive on the rough road passing past villages with beautiful views of surrounding green hills and peaks, after few hours of drive reaching at Khadbari, a major town and headquarter of Sanka Sabha district of Makalu region. From here an hour downhill back to Tumlingtar in the comfort of a nice lodge.
  • 18 Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.Morning transfer to Tumlingtar air terminal for scenic flight back to Kathmandu, on reachingKathmandu airport, transfer to your hotel with rest of the day at leisure with grand memories of Makalu Base Camp trekking.
  • 19 Day 19: Spare and free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.Reserved this spare day in Kathmandu as contingency in case of flight delay and cancellation at Tumlingtar, can happen sometimes due to bad unfavorable weather conditions if all go well according to our itinerary days, enjoy the day with individual activities and shopping.
  • 20 Day 20: Depart for international flight home ward bound.Your last memorable day in Nepal after a wonderful experience and adventure on Makalu Base Camp Trekking with great service of Explorer Adventure, and as per your international flight then transfer to Kathmandu international airport for homeward bound or to your respective destinations.

Cost Includes:

    • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
    • Three night hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis  in standard hotels on bed and breakfast basis.     
    • Full board trekking includes all meals with twin sharing rooms in local lodge on route trekking,
    • Domestic flights fare as per the itinerary from Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu.
    • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System
    • Government license holder guide 
    • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis 
    • Duffel bag for packing your things for the trek
    • Helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
    • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters           
    • Half Day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
    • Hire sleeping bag and down jacket for the trekking.,
    • Government taxes and official expense
    • Welcome Dinner.

Cost Excludes:

    • Nepal entry visa personal travel and medical insurances.
    • Expenses of personal nature and meals in Kathmandu as well gratitude (tips).
    • Emergency  evacuation by any means of transport including Helicopter and personal medical kit. 
    • Lunch and Dinner whilst in Kathmandu

Our itineraries of any trips are based on our leading experience in the Himalayas. But, we also organize the trips according to your special requests or your personally given itinerary. Please, feel free to contact us for your questions and queries.

INSURANCE POLICY:

Traveling to Himalayan countries specially on treks and other adventure with Nepal-Bhutan and Tibet, where clients should purchase travel and medical insurance covering immediate evacuation by any means of transportations, like helicopter or fastest way vehicle to reach nearest city and town hospitals.

Insurance Policy should cover all medical expenses incurred during your holidays in Himalayan countries, including travel insurance where sometimes Himalayan weather even in best times can be unpredictable, where trekking routes can be re-routed of cancelled in this case local company will not entertain you with refund, however provides you with letter so that one can claim from your respective insurance companies.

Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

Guide and Porters: 

On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

We are also member of PACT (Porters Act commitment).  

Altitude Sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):
     Information of AMS and Precaution Measures:

High Altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness for short as AMS a symptom faced and can catch any people on high altitude adventure walks.

Due to high pressure and low oxygen level as certain height where some people feel uneasiness with shortness of breathiness, light headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of good sleep and with less appetite.

To avoid these whole symptoms where we always designed itinerary days accordingly with enough space, flexible days for acclimatization at high elevation, taking short walks up and sleeping and resting at low places.

The other good way to avoid AMS taking slow and steady pace on walks, stopping frequently to catch your breath and adding lot of fluid or safe drinking water at least 2-3 liters a day to support against AMS.

On high altitude take enough rest and with short slow hike above high hills to catch views as well to support acclimatization and sleeping and resting at low altitude will certainly helps you in avoiding AMS.

The company provides as precaution measures against AMS with comprehensive medical kit, oxygen and Gamma Bags / Pressure Bags in some high altitude adventure treks, where some people as per their own doctor advice use Diamox also known as Acetazolamide to prevent and reduce symptoms of AMS can lower headache when in high altitude walks and climb

Useful in situations when you cannot make high ascent, the best ways to prevent altitude sickness doing it slowly, stopping for overnights at certain altitude to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy for first one or two 2 days.

This Diamox also used for other medications to treat certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). 

Acetazolamide a "water pill" (diuretic), it decrease amount of fluids that can build up in eyes, also helps to decrease buildup of body fluids (edema) caused by congestive heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide can work less well over time, so it is usually used only for a short period of time.

Using this pill should get advice from your doctor before trip departure to high Himalaya.

In our list we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like medicine against diarrhea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well.

Equipments List

  • Down Jacket 
  • Fibre pile jacket
  • light cotton trouser
  • Long sleeved cotton shirts
  • Scarf
  • Short Trouser
  • Shorts or Skirt (for ladies)
  • Sun hat
  • Sun Screen Cream
  • Sunglasses
  • T-shirt
  • Track Suit Bottoms
  • Trekking pole
  • Ultra Fleece Trousers
  • Warm Gloves a pair
  • Water bottle
  • Waterproofs trouser
  • Waterproofs Jacket
  • Well fitting, comfortable boots
  • Wind Proof Jacket & Trouser a set each
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  • Trip Duration 20 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Trip Style Trekking
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Trip Info

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